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Getting Ahead of God

I believe it is impossible to “get ahead of God.” The idea is commonly held, so let me explain what I mean. I believe it will be hopeful and liberating.

As we navigate the twists and turns of our lives, we desire to make our decisions based on what we consider to be a revealed word or will of God. Some of the most popular teachings revolved around the subject of, “Finding God’s Will.”

God’s Will Isn’t Lost

I really believe that we make the whole subject far more complicated than God ever intended. He’s not playing a game of hide and seek with His purposes for us. But, before I get too deeply into a discussion about “the art of finding His will,” let’s hone back in on this thing about getting ahead of God. [That’s a subject for other posts]

God Doesn’t Hold Us Back

One of the problems I see in this whole, “Be careful not to get ahead of God” teaching assumes He “drags His heels” on our desires to get ahead…to advance in life. It adopts the idea that God is always having to protect us from ourselves.

I believe God is the Master of Encouragement. He wants us to grow in a sense of confidence in life. Although it’s true that we all make bad decisions, those errors are not what God majors on with you. I remember asking the Lord, “What’s the matter with me?!” His quick response was, “I don’t want to talk to you about that right now. I want to talk to you about what’s right with you.” [That’s a message you need to hear, as well]

God Is Always Ahead Of Us

Isaiah 45:2, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron…”

It is not scriptural to say that you can get ahead of God. That’s just a man made teaching. Sincere? Sure. Scriptural? Not so much.

God is always ahead of us pulling us toward Himself and the straight places for our lives. Yes, we all get off track from time to time. We make decisions that take us the wrong direction. But we never get ahead of God.

Isn’t That Just Semantics?

No, I don’t think so. Words have meaning. Words point us toward ways of believing. Words are important. They set an inner attitude and belief system. It’s my firm conviction that we do ourselves a discouraging disservice that God never intends when we think we can get ahead of Him. It drains us of courage for the next decision.

Confident Humility Is What’s Important

There are so many things that try to confuse, perplex, discourage and drain us hope as we navigate our individual journeys with the Lord. Jesus wants us to not only come boldly to the Throne of Grace, but also “move boldly” in our walk of faith. Humble confidence, to me, is the key. There are times when you will zig instead of zag. You just proved that you have a birth certificate to planet earth. Be humble before God, but stay confident. That’s what gives Him honor and glory.